Norman Hunter: Leeds to rename Elland Road South Stand in honour of club legend

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani: “Naming the South Stand after Norman is that the very least we could do to recognise the lifetime of diligence and dedication he gave to our football club”

Leeds are to rename the South Stand at the club’s Elland Road stadium in honour of legendary late defender Norman Hunter.

Hunter, who was a part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, died last Friday at the age of 76 after spending every week in hospital with coronavirus.

He was a part of the foremost glorious chapter within the club’s history, amassing 726 appearances over 14 years with Leeds,

winning three league titles, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, an FA Cup and a League Cup

Hunter will now become immortalised at Elland Road, along side Don Revie and John Charles, who even have stands named in their honour

Hunter’s wife, Sue, said: “As a family we are touched by the club’s decision to call the South Stand after Norman

and that we would really like to require this chance to thank the supporters of the club and therefore the game generally for the amazing messages of sympathy we’ve received in recent days.

“Finally, once more we might also wish to thank all the doctors and nurses and everybody within the NHS who supported Norman, too.”

Leeds owner, Andrea Radrizzani, added: “Naming the South Stand after Norman is that the very least we could do to recognise the

lifetime of diligence and dedication he gave to our football club – firstly as a hugely successful player and secondly as an envoy for Leeds United.

“Norman was respected and loved by everyone connected to the club and as we wade through uncertain times it’s unlikely that he are going to be ready to tend the send off he deserves

and thus we expect the South Stand to be bouncing when fans are finally allowed to return to Elland Road and pay their respects to an enormous of the sport .

“I would also wish to say a huge many thanks to our current South Stand sponsor TransUnion, they need been completely supportive and inspiring of the suggestion to rename the stand after Norman.”

Leeds described Hunter – who in 1974 became the first-ever recipient of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award – as someone who “always had time for supporters and was loved by everyone he came into contact with”.